Short Story

Autistic Brother

    That family consisted of aged parents and their two sons. The elder son was 28 years old and had been suffering from autism since birth. The other brother was one year younger than him. The younger brother was always fond of his elder brother. The parents loved him with utmost care. The younger brother also loved him very much and behaved as if he were his caretaker. Their everyday togetherness at the dining table made the family atmosphere vibrant with happiness.

Meanwhile, the aged parents insisted that the younger son should get married. He had a government job and a sufficient income from it. Through a marriage bureau, a suitable alliance was found, and his marriage was duly solemnized. His parents had already given the bride’s family a hint about their autistic son. His wife was also a government employee.

After the wedding, their honeymoon days passed happily. She was fond of her husband and his parents, but she kept a distance from the autistic brother.

One day, she asked her husband curiously,

“Dear, why are you all looking after your autistic brother here itself? Can’t you refer him to any free treatment centre to take care of him for the rest of his life? Today, there are many such free treatment centres available in our country. Why should we take the burden of his treatment and care in this home itself?

Moreover, when my family members come to this house, they may not feel comfortable with his unusual and challenging behaviour.”

She spoke these words with displeasure.

On hearing such painful words from his wife, he angrily responded:

“We had already given your family a hint about my autistic brother before our marriage. After his birth, my parents loved him. After my birth, I also loved him. All these years, this family has lived with him in an ever-growing bond of love.

My parents and I have never shown him any displeasure until this moment. We will never cause him any harm or treat him with contempt as long as we live on this land.

And you…! You came into our family only a few days ago as my wife. How did you dare to preach to me in such an ugly manner?

I would gently convey one thing to you for the future. Dear Mrs. …, don’t try to express such opinions about my brother to this family again. Please bear it in mind.

My parents and I must never leave or abandon my autistic brother as long as I live. My bond with him is not something that anybody can dissolve or detach.

He is my brother, and my love for him is lifelong.”

He said these words in an angry tone.

After that, his wife became frightened and stood before him with shame. She hung her head, unable to face him. She murmured a few words and apologized to him for her childish and immature thoughts and words.

Through this bond between the brothers, she learned a lesson about blood relationship, family responsibility, and real love.